When troubles come, I never have to face them alone. Thank You, Lord, for always being with me as my refuge and strength. Friends can fail, families can split apart, my whole world can be shaken to its foundation, leaving me dazed and disoriented, but You never change. Your truths are forever. You do not shrug off my concerns and move on - You are "a very present help in trouble," standing firmly at my side whatever happens, guiding my actions, and giving me the strength to carry on. When all else fails, when friends and family desert me, I put my trust in You and am never disappointed. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Psalm 96 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 23:1-8 – Colossians 2:8-23 – John 10:7-17

You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Savior.
- St. Francis of Assisi

5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
Psalm 20 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 45:14-19 – Colossians 1:24-2:7 – John 8:12-19

The unknown is terrifying, responsibility is overwhelming, the untapped anger cannot be borne Hear our cry, O God of love, for all so trapped in fear. Open our hearts to trust your presence to guide us in the unknown places; teach us to know you will support us in all that we undertake; free us to share with you the rage within, knowing
you will never desert us.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson

1 My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 17:1-7 – Colossians 1:15-23 – John 7:37-52

Lord God, you are Creator of heaven and earth and God of all people. Open my eyes to the vast expanse of your kingdom that fills the infinite galaxies from the beginning to beyond the end of time. Help me to know your greatness and the splendor of your love, manifested in the appearance of Jesus my Lord. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

10 I believed; therefore I said,
"I am greatly afflicted."
11 And in my dismay I said,
"All men are liars."
12 How can I repay the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Deuteronomy 8:1-3 – Colossians 1:1-14 – John 6:30-33, 48-51

Father,
You are my hiding place.
When I am afraid, I come to You. When I must be courageous for others, You give me Your strength. You protect and surround me with angels. When I feel weak, I find shelter in Your mighty arms. Though I may not be able to express my fears outwardly to others, You know all my thoughts completely. Thank You for surrounding me with Your love and giving me a safe place in the midst of trouble. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Joshua 3:14-4:7 – Ephesians 5:1-20 – John 9:1-12, 35-38

Father,
You lead us to true success.
Oh Lord, You know that we have a difficult time defining success. When we're in high school, its popularity, as adults our definition of success changes, but it still contains elements of selfishness and status. Thank You for teaching me that true success has nothing much to do with earthly possessions, status, or achievement. It has to do with living a life that is pleasing to You. When I go astray, please bring me back to the truth. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 19:9-18 – Ephesians 4:17-32 – John 6:15-27

Father,
It gives me great comfort and a wonderful sense of security to realize that your angels are encamping around me, and to know that they are always ready to deliver me. In the same way that you sent the angel to shut the lion's mouth in order to protect Daniel, I ask you to let your angels watch over and protect me. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
"O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simple-hearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
Psalm 116 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 19:1-8 – Ephesians 4:1-16 – John 6:1-14